When examining the collision of cultures within Americanah, it is important to take into consideration that race and culture are not the only factors that play in social interaction. As readers compare Ifemelu and Obinze's experiences, in America and the UK, it is important to remember that gender can play a major role in their interactions. So, by combining race and differentiating between genders, one can examine the similarities and differences between immigrants in the United States and the United Kingdom. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on 'Why violent video games should not be banned'? Get an original essay The first major similarity between their experiences abroad is immediately evident as Ifemelu and Obinze find help from people that they once knew and that they both begin their very mediocre foreign experiences. They both struggle to find work due to their lack of citizenship. Ifemelu is legally in America, but she is not legally allowed to work because she is on a student visa. Obinze is in the UK illegally after his first six months there. However, both are acquiring another person's documents and that is another difference in their experience. Ifemelu was able to find work and earn money without using his assumed name and social security number. Obinze was barely able to find legitimate work, even with a fake SN number. This may imply that in America there are more opportunities for illegal or “under the table” work for illegal immigrants. Ifemelu really hit the lottery in terms of working “under the table”. Her job made enough money that she could move out of her apartment with roommates who didn't understand her, and she could start sending more money to her parents. Obinze, on the other hand, was forced to give forty percent of his earnings to the man who gave him his false professional identity. Ifemelu was also lucky to have a rich and successful man who fell in love with her. Ifemelu's life in America was significantly improved by the romantic relationship with her longtime boyfriend, Curt. Financial stability and open doors thanks to Ifemelu's relationship with Curt. Having strong relationships is one of the reasons Ifemelu has had much more success in the United States than Obinze in England. Ifemelu had Curt who got her a job and took her on a weekend trip to Europe. Ifemelu had Dike and his aunt Uju. Ifemelu also had Kinika in Baltimore to help him. Even if Obinze had his cousin Nicolas, he really did not understand his difficulties. Obinze struggled to find a legal way to stay in the UK. Every time someone helped Obinze, it came at a cost. When Obinze obtained a fake identity, he was forced to give up 40% of his income just to be able to work. Even when Eminike gave money to Obinze, it came at the cost of his dignity and pride. Obinze received little charity. This is true in both cases, although the prices paid by Ifemelu are more subtle. Ifemelu gets an undeclared job but she still works. Everything she received from her relationship with Curt came at the cost of the loneliness she felt when she was with him. And the sex work she did for the tennis coach came at the cost of her peace of mind and her relationship with Obinze. Ultimately, the strongest similarities between their experiences manifest through interactions with friends of friends. When we see natives of.